"Dirty Blood" by Penelope Barsetti introduces readers to a fantastical world, but it falls short in several key areas that make for a satisfying reading experience. The author, whose writing conveys an impression of youthful inexperience, struggles with developing a believable and immersive world, despite the genre allowing for creative freedom. While the fantasy genre certainly thrives on unique creations, the thinly imagined world here lacks depth, making it difficult for readers to truly suspend disbelief and become invested. One glaring issue is the lack of meaningful character development. Characters often feel one-dimensional, with designations in place of names. "Kingsnake" is a repeated designation that quickly becomes more irritating than engaging. Names, especially in fantasy, often serve as a key part of world-building, offering insight into the character or culture, but here they seem to function only as labels, contributing to the overall flatness of the characters. The world-building is, at best, passable, but it doesn't stand out. The story's foundation could have been much stronger if the characters themselves were given more depth and complexity. Without well-developed characters, even the most imaginative worlds can feel hollow. Adding to the book's struggles is the narration. Unfortunately, it comes off as mechanical, with very little nuance. The narration doesn't do the story any favors, making it hard for readers to connect with the plot and characters on an emotional level. A more dynamic and engaging delivery could have significantly elevated the story, but as it stands, the flatness in both prose and narration detracts from the book's potential. In conclusion, while "Dirty Blood" may have some redeeming qualities for readers new to the fantasy genre, it ultimately misses the mark in crucial areas like character development, world-building, and engaging narration. With more refinement and a greater sense of nuance, Barsetti’s work could evolve into something more compelling.